Need a Shotgun.....

[viking499]

I need a shotgun for my wife. Due to her small size, she needs something light to carry and be very mild in the recoil department. Probably a 20 instead of a 12. She likes shooting my tikka lite 243. Said she would like a shotgun with no more kick than the rifle. Don't know if that is possible. She shot a 870 today 12 guage with low brass and didn't like it. I want to do something more than just add a good recoil pad. Also said the weight would be to heavy.

So, I am looking for a 20 guage pump or semi(preferred, but will consider a good pump) that could be used for bird, rabbit, turkey and deer(slugs) that is light weight and light recoil. I will also add a good recoil pad to it if it does not already have one. Light recoil and a good pad will be better than heavy recoil and a good pad. Sort of like a double whammy in taming the recoil.....

I have heard that Benellis are easy on the shoulder. Don't know, never shot one. Don't happen to have any just laying around to play with.

What do you all recommend for her? I know it will cost more than an old 870, so I want to do it right the first time.

 

[esq_stu]

I bought a 20 gauge youth model 870 thinking it would kick less than my 12 gauge. It doesn't feel any different. I think the 20 gauge youth model is lighter is weight.

So if you want lighter recoil, take the weight of the gun and the load into account or get one of those new-fangled recoil compensating stocks. In my case, I bought an old 1100 20 gauge, which is almost as heavy as the 12 gauge.

 

[rcmodel]

Look at the 870 youth model if slide-actions are of interest.

Personally, I think all pumps and Benelli semi-autos kick like a mule.
That was one reason I sold my M-1 and went back to my old A-5 Browning.

A gas-operated semi-auto will appear to kick much less then any other action.

Look to Beretta or Browning for top of the line stuff.

And as esq stu mentioned, gun weight has a whole lot to do with it too.
A light 20 kicks just as hard as a medium weight 12.

I have a very light Ithaca 20ga 280 double that will bust your chops with heavy pheasant loads.


rcmodel

 

[SASS#23149]

IMHO,if it's less recoil you're after, a semi auto is the way to go,hands down,.
Any gun you buy HAS to fit her.so a youth model would prolly be the ones to look at,and I think the Rem 11-87 comes in youth model.
Any other style will have to have recoil reducers added to dampen the shock,and even then won't be as good as a well fitting semi.
imho,ymmv,etc.

 

[scout26]

Oh, goodie. Another "What gun for the little lady ??" thread.

I would suggest that you both read: http://www.corneredcat.com/

Start with: http://www.corneredcat.com/TOC.aspx#Men

Then try: http://www.corneredcat.com/FirstGun/missadventures.aspx and

Specifically: http://www.corneredcat.com/Men/buywifegun.aspx

Here's a list of bantam/youth shotguns for her to try: http://www.corneredcat.com/Kids/gunlist.aspx

Cornered Cat is the website of our very own pax (Former Moderator here at THR).


My philosophy is very simple:

If you feel comfortable buying her clothing, then by all means buy her a gun.
Let her try out a variety and let her buy what she likes.

 

[possum]

yep i agree for less recoil i say go with a semi auto, get a remington 1100 in 20ga that is what i used for the longet time until i got my 870 12ga. on my 1100 i had it since i was a kid so my dad back in the day had the stock cut down to fit me, and then once it took over hd duty i had one barrel for skeet shooting and the other cut to 18" for hd. it worked out great.